Abuse of the Elderly is Tragically Common

It is a rather sad time in the United States when we have a day set aside (June 15) called Elder Abuse Awareness Day, intended to raise awareness of abuse towards older adults. This day is recognized by healthcare professionals and support groups and organizations around the world, not just in our country. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), elder abuse is the term used to refer to any knowing, intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm to a vulnerable adult. Much of this abuse takes place in nursing facilities and hospitals across the nation.

Abuse of an elderly person's finances is the most common form of elder abuse; however, there are many other kinds including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and abandonment.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is the use of physical force resulting in bodily injury, physical pain or impairment. Acts of physical abuse may include striking with a hand or object, beating, pushing, shaking, slapping, kicking, and burning. Force-feeding an elder adult is also considered physical abuse as is the inappropriate use of physical restraints.

Signs of physical abuse:

• Bruises, abrasions, burns, or broken bones
• Open wounds or cuts
• Broken eyeglass and other signs of being subjected to punishment
• Sudden change in behavior

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is non-consensual contact with an elderly person that can include unwanted touching, sexual assault or battery such as rape, sodomy and sexually explicit photographing.

Signs of sexual abuse:

• Bruises around breasts and genital area
• Unexplained venereal disease or infection
• Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
• Torn or bloody undergarments

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is the infliction of pain or distress through verbal and nonverbal acts such as insults, threats, humiliation, intimidation and harassment.

Signs of emotional abuse:

• Being upset or agitated
• Being withdrawn and non-communicative
• Unusual behavior

Neglect

Neglect is the failure to fulfill any part of a person's obligations to take care of the elder.

Signs of neglect:

• Malnutrition, dehydration, bedsores, or poor hygiene
• Untreated health problems
• Unsanitary living conditions

Abandonment

Abandonment is the desertion of the elder adult by an individual who is supposed to be taking care of him or her.

Signs of abandonment:

• The elder is left at the hospital or nursing facility
• The elder is left at a public place such as a shopping mall or church

Financial Exploitation

Financial exploitation is the most common type of abuse found in older adults and is defined as the illegal or improper use of an elder's funds, property or assets. Checks may be cashed that belong to the elder adult, signatures may be forged, and possessions may be stolen.

Signs of financial exploitation:

• Sudden changes in financial situation
• Additional names found on the elder's accounts
• Unauthorized withdrawals of money
• Disappearance of possessions
• Unexplained transfers of funds
• Evidence of forged signatures

If you feel a loved one may be the victim of elder abuse, please contact the nursing facility supervisor, hospital administrator, or some other person of authority in the institution in which the elder lives.